The Carolina Panthers are off to their worst start in the NFL since opening the 1988 season 0-7. This week the 3-1 Chicago Bears and the return of Julius Peppers visits Charlotte. The Panthers are 1 of 4 winless teams, have the youngest roster in the league and offense is averaging 11.5 ppg. Last week against Super Bowl Champ New Orleans Saints, they were in the game with a chance to win a 16-14 loss. Practice for this young group of Panthers will be a season of regular season NFL games.

Rookie QB Jimmy Clausen is expected to make is third start against the Bears.He threw his first career TD against the Saints and hopefully there are many more in the years to come (393 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT). All Pro receiver Steve Smith suffered a sprained ankle in the third quarter and will be out this week. Making room for rookies David Gettis and Brandon LaFell. The team of Clausen , Gettis and LaFell have combined for 11 receptions, while Smith had 13 receptions and 2 TDS alone. Another rookie, Armanti Edwards will hope to play and perform to the NFL level. Carolina has scored just 5 TDs while committing 13 turnovers. Please hold onto the football. A surprise to me has been RB Mike Goodson with 533 total offensive yards, rushing, receiving and kick returns.

The Chicago Bears will be without starting QB Jay Cutler after suffering a concussion last week against the Giants. Backup Todd Collins will handoff to RB Matte Forte in the pass happy offense. Forte has only 134 rush yards compared to 16 receptions for 209 yards and 3 TDs. Oh by the way, Julius Peppers returns to Bank of America as a Bear. Cheer him or Boo him, your choice. For sure though, Jordan Gross will have his hands full with trying to stop Peppers. Not every play as Peppers will switch sides on the rush.

Surprise: Panthers 20, Bears 13

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/08/nfl-wk-5-bears-panthers-preview/feed/0Panthers @ Saints Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/01/panthers-saints-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/01/panthers-saints-preview/#commentsSat, 02 Oct 2010 03:48:17 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=20332Week 4 and the 0-3 Carolina Panthers find themselves traveling to New Orleans to play the Saints after a tough loss in OT. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley was a playoff hero back in January when he kicked the Saints into the Super Bowl. Last week was a different story however, Hartley missed a 29-yd attempt [...]]]>

Week 4 and the 0-3 Carolina Panthers find themselves traveling to New Orleans to play the Saints after a tough loss in OT. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley was a playoff hero back in January when he kicked the Saints into the Super Bowl. Last week was a different story however, Hartley missed a 29-yd attempt that would have made the Saints 3-0. The kicking game for the Saints was not the end all be all. Atlanta churned up 417 yards with 202 of that coming from the running game.

So, we have an upset Saints team and winless Panther team who’s running game and all star backfield has not produced the way a DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart need to do better (77 total rush yds vs Bengals). Jimmy Clausen’s first NFL start was not bad in terms of production. Clausen finished 16 of 33 for 188 yards with 0 TDs and 3 turnovers. On a good note, Clausen moved the ball around to 7 different targets and led a few good drives. The objective this week needs to be increase the running and get the ball down field to Steve Smith. Smith only had 3 receptions for 22 total yards, almost the same as rookie David Gettis (3 catches for 32 yds). True, a loss is a loss and wins are a lot more fun. But the Panthers are the second youngest team in the NFL. Baby steps. More progress is that Clausen was sacked just once by Cincinnati, while Matt Moore went down eight times in the first 2 games. Progress.

The Panthers defense has been far from dominant this season. But they have held their own and at least given the offense an opportunity to win the game. Bengals QB Carson Palmer was intercepted twice and RB Cedric Benson held to 81 yards on 27 carries (3.0 yds/carry). The Panthers rank last in the NFL in pass completion percentage (44.3) and leads the league in turnovers (12). How about a little hope, John Fox is 11-5 as a head coach against the Saints and the Panthers have won 7 of the last 9 meetings. Drew Brees has a bum knee and Reggie Bush is out.

Prediction: Saints 24, Panthers 14

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/01/panthers-saints-preview/feed/0Bengals @ Panthers Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/24/bengals-panthers-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/24/bengals-panthers-preview/#commentsSat, 25 Sep 2010 01:32:07 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=18919Week 3 in the National Football League has brought about change and new hope to the city of Charlotte and for the Carolina Panthers. Matt Moore spent most of the last few seasons on the sidelines behind Jake Delhomme, as he struggled at times. Now it is like looking into a mirror with a different [...]]]>

Week 3 in the National Football League has brought about change and new hope to the city of Charlotte and for the Carolina Panthers. Matt Moore spent most of the last few seasons on the sidelines behind Jake Delhomme, as he struggled at times. Now it is like looking into a mirror with a different result.While the Panthers are 0-2, Coach John Fox has decided to go back to the drawing board and go with Golden Boy, crowd favorite Jimmy Clausen on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season Moore was 4-1 as a starter with a 98.5 passer rating, this season, 0-2 record with a 41.8 passer rating and 6 turnovers. Clausen replaced Moore in the 4th quarter against Tampa Bay and immediately led the Panthers to the Buccaneers 1 before being stopped on 4 downs. Clausen finished 7 of 13 for 59 yards and one interception. This week he will start against a Bengals defense that had four interceptions and held Baltimore to 259 yards in a 15-10 win.

A fan throwing in the towel on the season after a 0-2 start is one thing, but when there are signs that the organization is doing the same. Lets just call that bad business for the NFL in Charlotte. The Panthers will chalk it up as growing pains for the future. The offense has not looked good all preseason or regular season. In four preseason games, the Panthers offense has never put the ball in the end zone. Doesn’t matter if it is Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen, the QB needs people to throw to. Someone other than Steve Smith. So, are the Panthers playing for 2011 0r 2012 with Clausen at QB, Rookies Brandon LaFell and David Gettis at receivers. The receiving core of Jarrett, LaFell and Gettis has accounted for a combined 6 catches and 80 yards.

The Panthers are a team of youth, this week that youthful roster will take on the Cincinnati Bengals. If Clausen hands off to DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, sprinkle in some Mike Goodson. Helping of Steve Smith with a surprise showing from an unknown like David Gettis or Armanti Edwards and you might get not only a win, but more important confidence in your offense. But don’t hold your breath. My prediction: Bengals 24, Panthers 14.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/24/bengals-panthers-preview/feed/3Bucs @ Panthers Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/18/bucs-panthers-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/18/bucs-panthers-preview/#commentsSat, 18 Sep 2010 12:44:21 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=17743Week 1 the Panthers put up a good fight against the NY Giants in the Giants home opener at their new stadium. The Panthers not only lost to the Giants 31-18 but also QB Matt Moore left the game with a concussion late in the game. In relief came rookie Jimmy Clausen, who finished 14 [...]]]>

Week 1 the Panthers put up a good fight against the NY Giants in the Giants home opener at their new stadium. The Panthers not only lost to the Giants 31-18 but also QB Matt Moore left the game with a concussion late in the game. In relief came rookie Jimmy Clausen, who finished 14 0f 33, 182 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT and sacked 4 times. Moore practiced on Thursday and Coach John Fox stated that Moore will start on Sunday. As for the Bucs, they come into Bank of America Stadium with a surprising 1-0 record after a come from behind win against Cleveland. Tampa Bay did not get win last season until November.

Usually, the Panthers running game is extremely reliable, but against the Giants, DeAngelo Williams rushed 16 times for 62 yards while Jonathan Stewart rushed 5 times for 12 yards. The Panthers have won the last 3 meetings against the Bucs behind the running game. In those 3 contests, the Panthers have rushed for 241 yards per game. The Bucs defense looked sharper last week holding the Browns scoreless in the second half.

So after week 1, Moore is back in the saddle and the backfield goes against a team that they have had success on. Its only week 2, but this is as close to a must win for the Panthers as you get. The running game has to show up as expected and the preseason defensive pass rush needs to come to play. The D Line had 19 preseason sacks, then 0 against the Giants. These two teams are the youngest in the NFL. Panthers are the youngest team while the Bucs run a close second. For the Bucs, second year quarterback Josh Freeman had a horrific game last season against the Panthers, throwing 5 interceptions on a day when the team racked up 469 yards in a 16-6 loss. The team has announced that the game is sold out, so the fans are ready for some football. Will the real Panthers show up? I think so. Panthers 21, Bucs 10.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/09/18/bucs-panthers-preview/feed/1Titans / Panthers Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/28/titans-panthers-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/28/titans-panthers-preview/#commentsSat, 28 Aug 2010 19:24:01 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=14476The Carolina Panthers team record stands at 0-2, but in terms of defense versus offense, score stands as defense: 2 and offense: 0. Both against the Ravens and Jets, the offense has been a no-show. Matt Moore has not looked like a starting QB and Jimmy Clausen has looked really good, but has made some [...]]]>

The Carolina Panthers team record stands at 0-2, but in terms of defense versus offense, score stands as defense: 2 and offense: 0. Both against the Ravens and Jets, the offense has been a no-show. Matt Moore has not looked like a starting QB and Jimmy Clausen has looked really good, but has made some rookie mistakes. The offense has yet to score a point and in defense of Clausen and Moore, the offensive line is core and literally has holes in it. Pass protection is still a concern allowing 11 sacks in two games with the offense completing only 42% of their passes. Clausen has been playing in a little bit of pain after having surgery to repair his right big toe that troubled him at Notre Dame last season.

Next comes the Tennessee Titans, that is not the important item. The important thing is that it is week 3 of the exhibition season. The starters play more, deep into the third quarter as the coaching staff wants this game to resemble a real game. This week Steve Smith returned to full practice, along with wideout Trent Guy and linebacker Jamar Williams The same story goes for across the ball, as the Panthers should expect to see a lot of Titan RB Chris Johnson. Johnson, a former East Carolina standout, led the NFL in rushing last season will want to shine in front of his home crowd. It is not yet decided whom will start at DT for the Panthers, however Derek Landri and Tank Tyler should see a lot of playing time.

Tennessee comes to Charlotte with a 1-1 record, coming off of a Monday night victory against the Arizona. Titans QB backup Kerry Collins returns to Charlotte after being a 1995 first round pick of the Carolina Panthers. This will be the first preseason meeting between the two clubs while the last regular season meeting ended up in a 20-7 Titans victory in 2007.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/28/titans-panthers-preview/feed/0Jets / Panthers Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/21/jets-panthers-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/21/jets-panthers-preview/#commentsSat, 21 Aug 2010 18:46:31 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=13914After 3 weeks of camp, NFL Football returns to Charlotte and the Bank of America stadium when the NY Jets come to visit the Carolina Panthers. The battle at the quarterback position should get a bit more attention as the preseason continues. Matt Moore played briefly against the Ravens and finished 4 of 7 for [...]]]>

After 3 weeks of camp, NFL Football returns to Charlotte and the Bank of America stadium when the NY Jets come to visit the Carolina Panthers. The battle at the quarterback position should get a bit more attention as the preseason continues. Matt Moore played briefly against the Ravens and finished 4 of 7 for 32 yards before rookie Jimmy Clausen came in. Moore and Clausen combined should play deep into the third quarter against the Jets.

The Panthers really hope to improve on their pass protection and penalties in the home opener. The offensive line, with four starters returning, made 7 of the 9 penalties against the Ravens. Chemistry is important on the OL, which the Panthers had last season and will need again this season. Progress should move faster when Jeff Otah returns to the starting right tackle position. Plan on seeing roster starters from both sides of the ball play for most of the first half tonight with that number extending into the third quarter next week.

Talk about building blocks, better pass protection will result in the quarterbacks actually getting the ball to the receivers. Coaching staff needs to evaluate the receivers as not one wideout caught more than one pass against the Ravens. Of course the Panthers receivers will not see Jets holdout Darrelle Revis, however, NY still has a strong secondary. As for the Panthers secondary, it was good against the Ravens and should be stronger with the return of Chris Gamble. Gamble had the hyperextended knee and missed the Ravens game and most of the practices in camp. Also, look for Marcus Hudson to possibly start in place of safety Sherrod Martin.

Lastly, along with the Jets this preseason comes the HBO Sports crew of Hardknocks. A bit of Hollywood in downtown Charlotte NC.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/21/jets-panthers-preview/feed/0Panthers / Ravens Postgame Noteshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/15/panthers-ravens-postgame-notes/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/15/panthers-ravens-postgame-notes/#commentsMon, 16 Aug 2010 03:37:06 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=13339Football fans of Charlotte, NC, please welcome your 2010 Carolina Panthers. Not to bad of a start. Sure, the Ravens won the game by the score of 17-12, but the preseason is all about making the team as a player and putting the best unit together to play as a team for coaches. So lets [...]]]>

Football fans of Charlotte, NC, please welcome your 2010 Carolina Panthers. Not to bad of a start. Sure, the Ravens won the game by the score of 17-12, but the preseason is all about making the team as a player and putting the best unit together to play as a team for coaches. So lets focus on how the Panthers looked on the field as a unit, the good and the bad.

Watching the play on the field seemed to be more of a role reversal of sorts. Yes, the presence of Julius Peppers is no longer there, but for sure there is still a pass rush for the Panthers. Led by DE Tyler Brayton with 2 sacks, the DL recorded a total of 6 sacks. That’s more than all of the last regular season with Peppers included. Next task is to see if that pressure continues against the NY Jets in the next game. Brayton is not expected to be a Peppers replacement, but the coaching staff will expect that sort of play from him. He has 15.5 career sacks coming into this season, the most by any current Panthers lineman.

The view from the opposite side of the ball is not as good. The Panthers put 12 points on the board, however, there were small breakdowns throughout the offense and offensive line. DeAngelo Williams had a nice 23 yard run, but starting QB Matt Moore threw two incompletions, was sacked and fumbled on third down after a Ravens blitz. The Ravens defensive line revealed weakness in the Carolina offensive line. The blitz was not picked up by blockers the entire night (7 sacks), particularly RG Duke Robinson struggled in the pass set. Moore finished the night completing 4 of 7 for 32 yards before rookie Jimmy Clausen came in. Clausen nearly led the Panthers to scores on three drives in the first half. Clausen showed composure and effectiveness. He finished the night completing 8 of 15 for 80 yards.

In review, good game for the defense, not so much for the offense. Armanti Edwards needs to continue to work on those hands. Edwards had three balls hit him right in the hands that fell to the ground. Pass protection needs to increase and gel as a unit. There were 14 offensive possessions and 0 offensive touchdowns. Hard to score when you are being sacked or penalized. Defensive secondary was picked apart by the Ravens starting offensive unit. Ravens QB Joe Flacco was completed 8 of 12 for 120 yards and 1 TD. Next up, Hard Knocks comes to Charlotte with the NY Jets.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/15/panthers-ravens-postgame-notes/feed/0Panthers / Ravens Previewhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/11/panthers-ravens-preview/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/11/panthers-ravens-preview/#commentsWed, 11 Aug 2010 23:57:15 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=12990Are you ready for some football? More than ready, right. That’s what the players are thinking. Now instead of hitting on each other, they get to bump helmets with another team. The Panthers open the exhibition season in Baltimore against the Ravens. Honestly, play against non teammates comes just in time. The team will limp [...]]]>

Are you ready for some football? More than ready, right. That’s what the players are thinking. Now instead of hitting on each other, they get to bump helmets with another team. The Panthers open the exhibition season in Baltimore against the Ravens. Honestly, play against non teammates comes just in time. The team will limp into Baltimore minus 11 players due to injury, including CB Chris Gamble, RB Jonathan Stewart and WR Steve Smith. Actually, Stewart and Smith have not participated in any camp sessions this Summer.

OK, enough about what you will not see, what about what you will see. QB Matt Moore will start the game and has taken on the role with pride and professionalism. He will start and play most of, if not the entire first quarter. Leadership of this young team has been a positive but still to work on will be making plays down the field and moving the chains. From the looks of the last practice, rookie Jimmy Clausen would be next to run the show. WR Armanti Edwards will have his opportunity on special teams by running back kickoffs and punt returns. As far as WR is concerned, Edwards still needs to work on his hands and catching the ball. He has the speed to get open, coordinating his foot speed with hand coordination is the next step.

DE Everett Brown, last seasons top pick, needs to rush the passer and produce sacks. With the Panthers in the Nickel package, Brown will get to show off. Stopping the show on the other side of the ball protecting “The Blind Side” will be Ravens Michael Oher. SS Sherrod Martin will get his first start, replacing injured Chris Harris. Martin had very good moments last year, basically when given the opportunity to play, he shined. Now the expectations are high and he has not responded in camp. He has good speed but needs the reps and experience beginning in Baltimore.

Two minute drill: If you like the rushing game, this game is for you. The Panthers finished 3rd in the NFL in rushing last season while Ravens RB Ray Rice rushed for 1,339 yards and made the Pro Bowl. Baltimore has a 3-1 record against Charlotte in preseason games. Charlotte has a 3-0 record against Baltimore in the regular season. The two teams meet again November 21st in Charlotte.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/08/11/panthers-ravens-preview/feed/0Panthers and QB Jimmy Clausen Reach Agreementhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/07/29/panthers-and-qb-jimmy-clausen-reach-agreement/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/07/29/panthers-and-qb-jimmy-clausen-reach-agreement/#commentsThu, 29 Jul 2010 04:07:08 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=11885Great news Panther fans, the team and rookie QB Jimmy Clausen have reached an agreement on a 4-year contract. Clausen’s agent and team officials worked through the night to reach a deal worth $2.53 million guaranteed. This avoids any delays of Clausen reporting to camp as he is expected to report on time with the rest [...]]]>

Great news Panther fans, the team and rookie QB Jimmy Clausen have reached an agreement on a 4-year contract. Clausen’s agent and team officials worked through the night to reach a deal worth $2.53 million guaranteed. This avoids any delays of Clausen reporting to camp as he is expected to report on time with the rest of the team.

Smart move by team Clausen, as the 48th pick out of Notre Dame, he was not going to get a huge contract. But by signing and reporting to camp on time, Clausen shows that he wants to not only be a Panther, but the future of this franchise. I say future due to the fact that the starter of this team is Matt Moore until Coach Fox says otherwise. Moore played pretty well at the end of last season, spent the entire off season working with the first string and from a business perspective, is making $3 million in the final year of his contract. And oh by the way, Coach John Fox is a veteran player coach who doesn’t believe in playing rookie quarterbacks.

There will be more of a target on the back of backup QB Hunter Cantwell. Cantwell worked out mostly with the second team during offseason workouts, but expect Clausen and fellow rookie Tony Pike (Cincinnati) to challenge for that spot. With the signing of Clausen, the Panthers are the first team in the NFC South to sign all their draft picks. Everyone is signed, sealed and delivered, let the games begin. Camp that is.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/07/29/panthers-and-qb-jimmy-clausen-reach-agreement/feed/0Carolina Panthers, 2010 Editionhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/07/28/carolina-panthers-2010-edition/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/07/28/carolina-panthers-2010-edition/#commentsWed, 28 Jul 2010 18:53:19 +0000Chris Joneshttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=11806The 2010 NFL season has arrived with training camps starting this week. For the Carolina Panthers, gone are faces of the franchise leaders Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers. One place that is pretty solid however is the backfield in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Sweet. You can argue that these guys are two of the best [...]]]>

The 2010 NFL season has arrived with training camps starting this week. For the Carolina Panthers, gone are faces of the franchise leaders Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers.

One place that is pretty solid however is the backfield in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Sweet. You can argue that these guys are two of the best in the NFL being ranked in the top 10. Williams finished the season injured with 1,117 yards, while Stewart led the Panthers with 1,133 yards. First time in league history that both RBs on a team surpassed the 1,100 yard rushing mark in one season. Quite impressive.

Williams and Sweet are good, but give some credit to the OL. Up front Carolina has two Pro Bowlers in C Ryan Kalil and LT Jordan Gross. Gross had a broken leg last season and has progressed nicely over the Summer which left Kalil as the lone Panther in the Pro Bowl. RT Jeff Otah and LG Travelle Wharton are your next go to Panthers on the OL. Otah is a big man with a good football IQ, but he is still learning the game at the pro level. If he can stay healthy, that is another plus sign for the Panthers running game. Wharton is the skilled, athletic one who’s a great blocker. All tolled, pretty good solid four.

Let’s talk defense, SS Chris Harris is now in Chicago, starter and a leader lost. As for the linebackers, for the second straight season, Thomas Davis blew his ACL in June. Davis was a rising starter, this now places the coaching staff into a shuffle. Jon Beason will now move to the weakside from the middle. This allows Dan Conner the chance at MLB and places James Anderson on the strong side to cover the TEs. Oh yeah, the defensive line is minus Mr. Peppers. This gives opportunity to Tyler Braden and Everett Brown to step up and produce. Also, Lewis Leonard, Tank Tyler and Corby Earvin are three quality DTs come back strong and healthy after injuries last season.

A heated battle should be at the QB position between Mike Moore with eight career starts and rookie Jimmy Clausen out of Notre Dame. Last season the Panthers ranked 27th in Passing. Add these factors with the unfortunate arm break of four-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith in the Summer and the passing game is in a hole before the season begins. The big element of this equation is to get Clausen under contract and into camp. Moore’s contract ends this season, which gives Clausen a small advantage to take over a rebuilding Panther team.

Football season is here Panther fans. Lots of question marks and a lot of pieces that need to blend together for the Panthers and head coach John Fox going into the last season of his contract. Young roster means longevity and possibilities in the future. This season, 4-12 is a little drastic, 8-8 more possible with their schedule.